Perfect Poolside Snacks and Summer Charcuterie Board Ideas
It’s the season for pool parties, beach days, and warm nights. Swimming and being outside all day makes kids hungry. So, we’re sharing practical poolside snacks and pool party charcuterie board ideas.
Some of these are fairly conventional, but you can still get plenty of ideas from them. Just choose healthier / organic / junk-free versions your family likes and enjoy!
Find a refresher on how to make a great kid-friendly charcuterie board here.
As parents know all too well, with summer fun also comes the need to add more meals to your everyday menu. But it’s too nice outside to get caught up in the kitchen! That’s why we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite summer charcuterie boards and pool day snacks. These snackable trays are as picture-ready as they are tasty and easy to make.
Taco Bout a Board
My extended family loves when my husband and I make a taco bar for parties. It’s one of the easiest ways for everyone to personalize their own meal. And kids always have fun choosing their own toppings.
This taco bar board takes some prep but will really fill up hungry swimmers. Need inspiration on what to include and how to arrange your taco board? Find all the elements plus a great video on how to pull them together at The Baker Mama.
We also love this Easy Taco Recipe Board from Reluctant Entertainer.
Fruit & Berry Kebabs
Fruit and berries make an easy, healthy summer snack. While our berry salad with Greek yogurt is a summertime favorite, skewers help keep outdoor snacking less messy.
You can make these delightful fruit and berry kebabs by Emily Enchanted in advance. Or you can have all the elements ready and let kids create their own for a picnic or pool party. Just be careful with the sticks!
Melon Prosciutto Skewers
I first had melon and prosciutto skewers during a wine tasting in the Tuscany region of Italy, and they’ve been a favorite ever since. The salty prosciutto perfectly complements the juicy sweetness of cantaloupe, making these skewers both refreshing and surprisingly satisfying on a hot day.
They’re easy to assemble, look beautiful on a platter, and feel a little fancy… without a ton of effort.
All you need is melon, prosciutto, olive oil, and greens. For a poolside-friendly twist, serve them cold with a few fresh basil leaves tucked in for extra flavor. Find a full how-to from InTheKitch here.
Poolside Chips and Dips
It’s almost impossible to go through a summer without indulging in a little a chip and dip fun! You’ll be able to please everyone by incorporating various chips and complementary dips into this poolside charcuterie board.
If you like to keep processed foods to a minimum, make your own dips and guacamole. Try out The Baker Mama’s Homemade Chips and Dips recipe.
Caprese Pool Day Snacks
A simplified take on the summer charcuterie board, we love these Caprese Skewers from Whole Lotta Yum because they are simple to make, easy to eat by the pool, and still manage to look like you’ve put some effort in — but with no cook-time required.
Mini Burger Board
When you think “pool day snack”, you want something that’s easy to eat and manage while being outside. A pretty platter of mini sliders will be a crowd pleaser that can be eaten without a lot of fuss—you might not even need a plate, mini cocktail napkins can do the trick!
Try this Slider Burger Board from Kelly Nan. Customize it with any type of meat or meat-free protein your family likes.
As with any pool party charcuterie board, there are plenty of ways to keep your summer gathering low waste and eco-friendly. And if you need the perfect board to serve it, try the round one from Cailini Coastal’s limited edition navy and white set.
Three Cheese Mini Quiches
These three cheese mini quiches are a poolside crowd-pleaser. They are rich, savory, and perfectly sized for little hands. With a mix of cottage cheese, parmesan, and cheddar, they deliver a creamy texture and bold flavor in every bite.
Made with a tortilla crust instead of pastry, they’re a little lighter and easier to whip up in batches. Serve them warm or chilled on your summer snack board for a protein-packed option both kids and grown-ups will love. Find the full recipe at Bite Sized Bash.
Ice Cream Truck Tray (but add some fruits & berries)
Ok, this one is very conventional, but it’s great for inspiration. Make it healthy by choosing grass-fed dairy or coconut ice cream with fresh strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, and blackberries.
Nothing says summer like a nice cold tray of all of your favorite ice cream choices. Keep everyone cool and happy with a Build Your Own Ice Cream Sundae board like this one from The Baker Mama. With the help of a little ice, you can keep your cones and pops from melting. The ice also adds some visual dimension to your pool day snack platter.
S’mores Board
A classic summertime favorite, we love this DIY S’mores Dessert Board from Number 2 Pencil. You can mix up the classic pool day snack by using dark chocolate and healthier graham crackers.
Backyard Lemonade Bar
You can keep this lemonade stand in your backyard, no cash required — that is unless you want to setup a tip jar for yourself! A Self Serve Lemonade Bar like this one from Alex Daynes is simple to set up and even easier to use, and it certainly looks cute!
Hungry for more summer charcuterie board ideas, check out these summer snack boards! Have some favorite poolside snacks we’ve missed? Tell us your faves in the comments!
